Jointly set up by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) and the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) in 1992, the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) is a non-profit self-help group for the Chinese community. We offer programmes and assistance schemes to help the less privileged in the community maximise their potential and strive for social mobility through self-help and mutual support.
Through three key initiatives under the “Planting Grass, Growing Trees” strategy launched in 2022, CDAC provided assistance and support to students, workers, parents, and seniors from 15,300 families in 2023.
We will adopt this approach through 2026 to ensure the continued social mobility of our beneficiaries.
VISION
Committed and Trusted Organisation Empowered and Caring Community
MISSION
To nurture and develop the potential of the Chinese community in contributing to the continued success of multi-racial Singapore.
“Play-Based Learning” methods to help K1 and K2 children from lower-income families establish stronger foundations in learning. We aim to boost their creativity, communication skills, and executive functioning abilities through fun and games while fostering their love for languages.
SUSTAINING SUPPORT
By providing sustained follow-ups and targeted mentoring at different stages of their lives, CDAC offers young beneficiaries long-term mentoring support, helping them transition and settle into new learning stages, from primary to post-secondary school years.
BROADENING EXPERIENCES
Introduce interest-based programmes and reimagine learning spaces in CDAC Centres to provide beneficiaries with more varied learning experiences, enhance holistic development, and ignite their passion for self-learning. We also introduced EdTech and play-based pedagogies to our tuition programmes to develop confident learners who are curious and self-directed.
Chairman’s Statement
DEEPEN ROOTS, EXTEND BRANCHES
Colleagues and Friends,
The CDAC has made good progress in implementing our “Planting Grass, Growing Trees” strategy over the past year. The strategy represents a two-pronged effort to widen our outreach and assist as many households as possible while focusing effort and resources on deepening support for selected families with young or school-going children so that the next generation can do better than the previous generation.
Through the efforts of the management, staff, and partners, CDAC reached 15,300 households in 2023. The key programmes included:
•Distribution of bursaries and grants to more than 11,000 students;
• more than 11,00 student placements in tuition and enrichment classes across CDAC Centres and partner schools.
The overall expenditure running these programmes amounted to about $34 million.
At the same time, CDAC deepened support for over 1,500 households, of which over 1,000 had young or school-going children. The support provided included having a case manager assess each family’s unique situation to offer tailored support.
We are progressively developing our interventions to make a significant and tangible difference to these families, and especially to their children.
2023 was also a pivotal year in which CDAC strengthened its programme offerings in line with its strategy and embarked on an organisational transformation journey. There were three areas of focus, namely: Programmes, Processes and People.
ON PROGRAMMES:
• CDAC launched the Play-Based Learning Programme. Studies have shown that play is an effective mode of learning for young children as it nurtures their curiosity and desire to learn. The nine-month programme has enrolled its first 61 students in 2023.
• CDAC also revamped our tuition programmes to include Education Technology and play-based pedagogies. 470 students benefitted from these changes that promote more self-directed and collaborative learning.
• CDAC introduced a new mentoring programme called the GEM (Go the Extra Mile) Mentoring Programme. The pioneer batch of 52 primary school students who joined the programme in 2023 will be mentored through their post-secondary years.
• Another 200 students were mentored under existing programmes, the Supervised Homework Group and Project YOUth Can Shine.
• We also extended deepened support to 129 children and youth from vulnerable family backgrounds or who have special learning needs. A team of learning support officers comprising a counsellor, education therapist, and ex-educators provided targeted interventions for them. These included befriending, counselling, and working with their families and schools to share strategies that could help these students.
ON PROCESSES:
CDAC continued its drive to simplify existing processes and leverage digitalisation. This has significantly reduced the processing time for bursary applications to payout f rom four months to one month. Through this process, we also freed up administrative manpower, which is retrained for other tasks.
ON PEOPLE:
CDAC has strengthened the team’s capacity to use data and technology to improve productivity and harness data to gain a deeper understanding of our beneficiaries. At the same time, the staff are equipped with professional skills to conduct programmes directly for our beneficiaries. For example, 16 staff members, including reassigned administrative staff, have undergone professional training to become mentors.
As we reflect on the progress we made in 2023, we also want to pay tribute to two of CDAC’s founding members who passed in early 2024.
Mr Wee Cho Yaw was a leading figure in the Singapore Chinese community and served as a Trustee of CDAC for 20 years, from 1992 to 2012. He led the Fund-Raising Committee and donated generously to the Endowment Fund.
Mr Ch’ng Jit Koon served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 2000 to 2022. Mr Ch’ng was a key leader of the Chinese community who devoted a large part of his life to uplifting the community and strengthening its identity and culture.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our deep gratitude to Mr Wee Cho Yaw and Mr Ch’ng Jit Koon. Both of them have left behind a strong legacy, which we will continue to uphold and strengthen.
We would also like to thank our Patron, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. During his tenure, SM Lee supported CDAC’s cause to build a more inclusive and compassionate society. SM Lee will hand over the CDAC Patronship to PM Lawrence Wong on 21 June 2024, the day of CDAC’s 32nd Annual General Meeting. We would like to thank SM Lee for his support of CDAC over the years and welcome PM Lawrence Wong on board.
Let us continue to work together to scale up our programmes and bring about greater social mobility in the Chinese community. This will require the support of all our partners and families to exercise personal responsibility. As our tagline says, “A little from all, together it’s more.”
Ong Ye Kung Chairman Board of Directors
2023 Programme Updates
In line with the three key initiatives under our “Planting Grass, Growing Trees” strategy, CDAC introduced several new courses and programmes in 2023.
LAYING FOUNDATIONS
Play-Based Learning Programme (K1 – K2)
Playing is an integral part of childhood, and studies have shown that children’s communication skills improve when they interact with others during playtime. This concept motivated CDAC to introduce Play-based Learning Programme for Kindergarten One and Two students in 2023. We hope to boost our younger learners’ creativity, communication skills, and executive functioning abilities through fun and games while fostering their love for languages.
Play-based Learning courses run for nine months at the CDAC Headquarters, CDAC@ Redhill, and charity organisation Blossom Seeds, located at Canberra Street. In 2023, a total of 61 young beneficiaries took part in the programme.
SUSTAINING SUPPORT
GEM Mentoring Programme
Launched in 2023, the GEM (Go the Extra Mile) Mentoring Programme (previously known as the Integrated Education Development Programme) guides students as they transition into new learning stages. By getting parents and community organisations involved and extending mentorship, CDAC provides the participants with integrated support from primary school through post-secondary school years, helping them build confidence, interests, and social skills.
CDAC mentors meet with students regularly at their schools, interacting with them and learning about their interests. By befriending and understanding the students, mentors can design suitable activities based on their needs and help them manage emotions as they learn and grow.
In 2023, we had a total of 52 students from four primary schools and 16 CDAC mentors under the programme. The programme has been further expanded in 2024.
BROADENING EXPERIENCES
Interest-Based Programmes
In 2023, CDAC partnered with various organisations to introduce a series of Interest-Based Programmes for our young beneficiaries to explore different art forms and develop their artistic talents. These pilot programmes aim to broaden students’ learning experiences by developing their skills in creativity, critical thinking, self-reflection, and teamwork.
Fun with Keyboard Music Showcase
CDAC@ Yew Tee and the Singapore Metropolitan YMCA introduced seven students between 10 and 12 to the keyboard under the Fun with Keyboard music programme that started in June 2023. The children learnt how to play the instrument, developed self-discipline, and brushed up their social skills by interacting with one another. After just 12 weeks, our budding young keyboardists wowed audiences with their newfound talents at a music showcase on 29 November.
CDAC was awarded the 2023 Charity Transparency Award by the Charity Council.
Speech & Drama Programme
In collaboration with the Singapore Theatre Company (previously known as the Singapore Repertory Theatre), CDAC@ Redhill kicked off its Speech & Drama Programme in June 2023. Kids between P1 and P4 explored different aspects of the theatre, such as self-expression, speech and movement, scriptwriting, and prop-making. On 30 November, the 12 participants performed for their parents, and 10 of these students from the pioneer batch have opted to continue with the Speech & Drama Programme in 2024.
Fun with Art Programme
Seven participants aged 10 to 12 went on a creative adventure at the 2023 Fun with Art activity organised by CDAC@ Tampines. They visited the Singapore Art Museum and National Museum of Singapore to explore art and Singapore’s heritage, then drew inspiration from two mama shops for their own “Mama shop and HDB life” themed creations.
On 25 November, the young artists presented their artwork at a showcase held at the Children’s Museum Singapore, impressing their families with their confident explanations of the inspiration behind their works. These children are invited to join the 2024 Fun with Art programme as buddy mentors for new participants.
Play-Based Approach
to Learning Programme (P1 – P3)
CDAC incorporated a new play-based approach to learning into its Tuition Programme in 2023, catering to students from P1 to P3. The strategy aims to foster creativity, nurture motivation and interest to learn, and help students establish strong foundations in reading and mathematics.
89 students between P1 and P3 participated in the trial programme held at CDAC@ Sengkang, Punggol, Tampines, Tanjong Katong, and Bedok across English, Mathematics, Chinese, and Science tuition lessons.
Deepened Learning Support for Children and Youth
Our CDAC counsellor, education therapist, staff, and experienced educators are all crucial contributors to providing deepened academic and mentoring support for primary and secondary school children and youth with learning needs.
Through the two-pronged approach of providing support and intervening early to befriend students with learning needs, we deepened our assistance and helped 129 young beneficiaries in 2023.
Deepened Learning Support through EdTech
Students in our Tuition Programmes receive personalised feedback on their progress through various AI-based EdTech tools so tutors can follow up with relevant guidance. Such customised feedback also lets parents stay abreast of their children’s learning progress. In 2023, deepened learning support through EdTech benefitted 470 primary and secondary students across a total of 488 instances.
Table 1: EdTech tools used and no. of students who benefitted from them in 2023.
A snapshot of our impact from 2022-2023
CHILDREN & YOUTH
FAMILIES & SENIORS
PARTNERS & VOLUNTEERS
2023 Events
JANUARY
CDAC Tutors’ Briefing (Photo 1)
On 7 January, 160 tutors attended the annual CDAC Tutors’ Briefing held at the CDAC Headquarters Auditorium.
CDAC’s Tuition Programme is one of many initiatives designed to empower our beneficiaries and maximise their potential for social mobility. In 2023, the CDAC Tuition Programme focused on the holistic development of young beneficiaries.
Ms Michelle Koh, a primary school teacher who is also Lead Teacher for Education Support, shared her expertise during the briefing, providing insights into her first-hand experience on how emotions influence a child’s learning and cognitive abilities.
CNY Rice Distribution (Photo 2)
CDAC rang in the Chinese New Year by spreading joy and warmth to 114 beneficiary families through its annual CNY Rice Distribution activity.
Most of the invited beneficiaries collected their rice and grocery vouchers personally from the CDAC Headquarters, while those with mobility constraints received the goodies delivered by our volunteers to their doorsteps.
We were able to celebrate the festivities with kindness thanks to long-time sponsor Hougang Jing Jia Mutton Soup Stall, who generously donated 1,500kg of rice to our beneficiaries.
FEBRUARY
Blessings from Granny (Photo 4)
In Chinese tradition, grandmothers give quilts as gifts to show their blessings and celebrate a newborn baby’s arrival in the family. At CDAC@ Redhill and CDAC@ Punggol, senior volunteers gather weekly to pour their love into sewing handmade quilts for CDAC beneficiaries in the community.
On 4 February, 24 families with newborns or toddlers below two years old each received a handsewn quilt from our senior volunteers during the Blessings from Granny event held at CDAC Headquarters. There was also a sharing session by TCM physicians Dr Clement Ng and Ms Caline Chew on how parents can apply TCM practices in caring for themselves and their children.
Blessings from Granny was attended by beneficiaries and 85 student volunteers who lent their support to make the intergenerational event a great success.
APRIL
Project C.A.R.E Event (Photo 3)
In a heartwarming first, 416 participants, including the elderly from 13 senior organisations, enjoyed the annual CDAC-SFCCA Project C.A.R.E event on 15 April with their loved ones. This marked the first year family members were invited to the festivities, making it a truly special occasion for all.
The elderly spent a meaningful day visiting historical landmarks with their family members and 65 CDAC and SFCCA volunteers.
The excursion took participants on a journey of Singapore’s history, creating lasting memories to cherish. The day concluded with a leisurely boat cruise along the Singapore River, a perfect finale for a meaningful event.
MAY
“Love You Then, Love You Still” Marriage Vow Renewal Event (Photos 2 & 5)
“At this moment, I reaffirm my vow of love to you: From this day on, we shall cherish each other. We shall support each other through thick and thin. We shall build our future together hand in hand.”
There was no dry eye in the crowd as couples reaffirmed their commitment and thanked their partners for their love and companionship at CDAC’s “Love You Then, Love You Still” event on 14 May 2023.
On the special day, 52 couples renewed their marriage vows, with their children bearing witness. In celebration of love and commitment, the event also featured a marriage seminar, a children’s DIY preserved flower box workshop, and a family-bonding movie screening.
Supervised Homework Group Mid-Year Camp (Photos 1 & 4)
Supervised Homework Group volunteers pulled out all the stops to make CDAC’s annual mid-year camp a roaring success in 2023 as the overnight camp returns for the first time since the COVID pandemic started.
The camp was held on 27 and 28 May and welcomed 101 students and 102 volunteers from eight different centres to interact and bond over various activities held at the Singapore Sports Hub and CDAC@ Tanjong Katong.
JUNE
31st Annual General Meeting
The CDAC held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at its headquarters on 16 June, attended by 31 members of the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees.
During the AGM, the agenda highlighted CDAC’s ongoing commitment to support children from lower-income families. To enhance the three initiatives rolled out in 2022 aimed at bolstering CDAC’s efforts in education and family support, five new programmes were further introduced in 2023 to help improve the social mobility of the underprivileged local Chinese community.
2023 also marked the 31st anniversary of CDAC’s contributions to the lowerincome Chinese community in Singapore.
Inaugural Self-Help Groups Football Camp (Photo 7)
During the school holidays, young participants spent three exciting days at Jalan Besar Stadium in the first-ever “Self-Help Groups (SHGs) Football Camp”.
The camp, initiated by the Eurasian Association, was held from 19 to 21 June. Young aspiring footballers from the SHGs, including 20 children from CDAC’s beneficiary families, learnt basic football techniques from coaches and had a wonderful experience trying out one of Singapore’s most popular sports while becoming “football kakis” with new friends from different cultural backgrounds.
CDAC Dumpling Festival 2023 (Photos 3 & 6)
On 21 June, 240 seniors from six CDAC Centres celebrated the CDAC Dumpling Festival organised by the Fulfilling Ageing Unit. This was CDAC’s first collaboration with Juying Secondary School for the event, allowing our senior beneficiaries to bond with 77 Juying students and 13 CDAC volunteers on a fun day out.
The event at Passion Wave in Jurong Lake Gardens included traditional games such as Five Stones and Marbles, hands-on activities like coaster making and scrapbooking, and a dragonboat race.
CDAC Board Member Mr Baey Yam Keng (Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Ministry of Transport) graced the event and presented medals to the dragonboat race participants.
CDAC Tutors’ Learning Fiesta
The spirit of continuous development was well demonstrated at the CDAC Tutors’ Learning Fiesta held on 24 June. Over 110 CDAC tutors attended the Fiesta, eager to learn more about enhancing their strategies and methodologies to improve teaching standards. Besides symposiums about the profession, CDAC also led a stretching exercise session to help participants relax through light physical movements, fitting in with the year’s theme: “Recharge. Reflect. Refocus.”
JULY
CDAC Board Games Day (Photo 8)
137 students from CDAC’s Supervised Homework Group (SHG) and Project YOUth Can Shine programmes joined 60 volunteer mentors for a fun-filled CDAC Board Games Day on 1 July at CDAC Headquarters.
Delegates from Knight Frank Singapore sponsored over 200 board games that combine entertainment with educational aspects, fitting in with CDAC’s play-based learning strategies. Through the event, the mentors from SHG and Project YOUth Can Shine hope to ignite our young beneficiaries’ interests in board games and encourage them to develop healthy and constructive entertainment options.
AUGUST
Healthy Living Fiesta (Photos 3 & 4)
CDAC beneficiaries and volunteers gathered at Marina Barrage on 13 August for the 2nd CDAC Healthy Living Fiesta, where they enjoyed picnics, traditional games, kite-making, tug-of-war, and a river cruise.
The Fiesta promoted physical and mental well-being among beneficiaries through activities that encouraged healthier lifestyles so families could learn and grow as cohesive units. This aligns with CDAC’s strategic direction to enhance social mobility through education and strengthening family ties. The event was graced by CDAC Chairman Mr Ong Ye Kung (Minister for Health) and saw an impressive turnout of over 1,200 beneficiaries from 300 families compared to 90 families in 2022. Additionally, around 80 volunteers participated in the Fiesta, making it a grand success.
Character & Learning Awards
“Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education.” ~ Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
On 19 August, CDAC held the Character & Learning Awards (formerly known as the “Tuition Programme Awards”) at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. More than 350 students received awards, including 56 who received the “Outstanding Character & Learning Disposition” award, a new category established in 2023 to recognise students who exhibit commendable attributes like respect, responsibility, resilience, creativity, and collaboration.
CDAC Board Member Dr Koh Poh Koon (Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Ministry of Manpower) graced the event and presented awards to the proud recipients.
20th Self-Help Groups Joint Tuition Awards
(Photo 5)
Singapore’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), comprising CDAC, the Eurasian Association, the Singapore Indian Development Association, and Yayasan MENDAKI, come together yearly to hold the SHGs Joint Tuition Awards. This event celebrates academic excellence and recognises students who have performed outstandingly in their respective PSLE, GCE N-Level and O-Level examinations.
The 20th SHGs Joint Tuition Awards held on 26 August acknowledged 883 students’ accomplishments in their 2022 school-leaving exams.
Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth and Social and Family Development, was the event’s guest of honour.
CDAC recognises that effective education is only possible with dedicated educators. To celebrate the devoted tutors who have positively influenced our student beneficiaries and the industry partners who have supported us over the years, CDAC held its inaugural Tutors & School Partners Appreciation Dinner on 3 September 2023.
The Tutor Commendation Award was given to 26 tutors who displayed steadfast commitment to developing their students using a holistic and value-driven approach to education. Another 51 tutors and CDAC Centre staff were presented with Long Service Awards by CDAC Chairman Mr Ong Ye Kung (Minister for Health).
Inaugural IED Programme Arts Exchange Fiesta (Photo 7)
Arts meet education at CDAC’s first-ever Integrated Education Development (IED) Programme Arts Exchange Fiesta on 9 September. The event, held at CDAC Headquarters, showcases the benefits of the GEM (“Go the Extra Mile”) Mentoring Programme, previously known as the Integrated Education and Development (IED) Programme.
Parents got a firsthand experience of some activities their children participate in under the GEM Mentoring Programme, such as the diabolo, plate-spinning, and handchimes. The students involved later showcased their newfound talents at the Fiesta, earning loud cheers and applause from their parents in the audience.
14th CDAC Volunteers’ Day
(Photo 6)
On 24 September, we paid tribute to our selfless volunteers for their contribution to improving the lives of our beneficiaries at the 14th CDAC Volunteers’ Day. The biennial event, held at SAFRA Toa Payoh’s Jubilee Garden Restaurant, was particularly significant as it marked the 30th year of CDAC’s Volunteer Programme.
During the celebration, 332 Volunteers’ Commendation Awards, Volunteer Team Awards, and Long Service Awards were presented to well-deserving CDAC volunteers.
Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for Health Mr Masagos Zulkifli and Sponsor of CDAC Volunteers Engagement & Development Programme Mr Baey Yam Keng (Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Ministry of Transport) attended the event to celebrate our volunteers.
Mid-Autumn Festival Gathering
(Photos 8 & 9)
On 28 September, close to 600 seniors from 12 CDAC Centres and Vibrance @ Yishun came together to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in an evening of nostalgic classic tunes and great company.
The annual event was organised by the Fulfilling Ageing Unit of CDAC’s Family Support & Development Department and rallied help from 62 volunteers. For the third year, Gardens by the Bay came on board as the venue partner to support the event, which was hosted by a presenter from radio station 96.3 Hao FM.
Mr Chee Hong Tat, then-acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance, attended the gathering and spent a heartwarming evening with the rest of the participants.
OCTOBER
Inaugural Inter Self-Helf Groups Youth Dialogue (Photos 1 & 2)
On 21 October, more than 50 youth from the four Self-Help Groups (SHGs) attended the first-ever Inter SHGs Youth Dialogue held at the Suntec City Convention Centre. They met with then-Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong for a robust discussion about Singapore’s prospects and shared their visions of a better future for Singapore.
NOVEMBER
Supervised Homework Group Graduation Ceremony (Photo 3)
The CDAC Supervised Homework Group (SHG) helps children from casemanaged families with their schoolwork while providing character guidance to these young learners. On 11 November, we celebrated the graduation of 64 primary school students under the SHG programme in a ceremony held at the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre.
340 attendees from 126 families attended the graduation ceremony, which was part of the carnival-style SHG Family Day held on the same day. Students under the SHG programme demonstrated their well-rounded development by performing for the event’s guests, including CDAC Board Member Mr Baey Yam Keng (Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Ministry of Transport).
The ceremony honoured our primary school fresh graduates for their perseverance and hard work while also paying tribute to the selfless volunteers who dedicated time and effort to mentoring these students in need.
Play-Based Learning Programme
Family Day Out 2023 (Photo 4)
On 18 November, 94 participants from 25 families whose children are in CDAC’s Play-Based Learning Programme were invited to attend an informative and fun-filled Family Day Out. We shared details of the young beneficiaries’ learning journeys and conducted a programme evaluation with the parents. The day ended on a fun note with a family tour of the River Wonders for all involved.
Inaugural Self-Help Groups Joint Learning Fiesta (Photos 7 & 8)
“Building Relationships, Strengthening Bonds, Maximising Potentials” was the theme for the inaugural SHGs Joint Learning Fiesta on 18 November at SMU. Jointly organised by CDAC, Eurasian Association, SINDA, and Yayasan MENDAKI, the Fiesta celebrates the SHGs’ shared commitment to education and was attended by more than 250 tutors who discussed insights on providing better emotional support for students from underprivileged families.
Keynote speaker Mr Tan Cher Chong, a Master Teacher from the Academy of Singapore Teachers, emphasised the importance of emotional connection for learners based on the topic: “Emotion Matters – The Key to Attention and Memory.”
The event’s guest of honour was Mr. Chee Hong Tat, then-acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance.
kidsREAD Day (Photo 9)
Imagine your favourite story coming to life! For kidsREAD Day 2023, our young readers and their parents or guardians were invited to enjoy a stage production of the popular kids’ story “The Cat in the Hat” at the Singapore Theatre Company (then known as the Singapore Repertory Theatre). Participants thoroughly enjoyed the actors’ boisterous performances over three shows on 28 October, 4 November, and 5 November.
To celebrate the “graduation” of Primary Two students from the kidsREAD programme, meant for children five to eight years old, CDAC also held a ceremony to conclude another successful year in the programme.
DECEMBER
Ready for School Project (Photos 5, 6 & 10)
The 20th edition of CDAC’s Ready for School Project took place on 3 December at Nanyang Junior College with the support of 270 volunteers and 16 partners and sponsors. This was the 12th year that the event was held at NYJC.
Approximately 1,500 beneficiary families attended the event, graced by Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, and Mr Alex Yam, Mayor of North West District and CDAC Board Member.
In 2023, the Ready for School Project helped 7,700 families and their children prepare for the new school year. Each beneficiary family received $200 worth of public transport vouchers. Each school-going child from these families (maximum three children per family) also received an $80 e-voucher to purchase books, stationery, school uniforms, shoes, spectacles, and other school-related necessities.
To 13-year-old Anisha Chu, becoming a pilot once felt as distant as the planes soaring above. Now, it’s not just a dream but an actual goal she is working towards.
The sporty but introverted Secondary 1 student from West Spring Secondary School has never even been on a plane, yet she is now learning to fly one.
This was made possible when Sabrina Ng, a mentor from CDAC’s GEM (Go the Extra Mile) Mentoring Programme, signed Anisha up for the Singapore Youth Flying Club’s free flying training course to expose her to different activities.
Anisha is part of the pioneering batch of CDAC’s GEM Mentoring Programme, launched in early 2023. Formerly known as the Integrated Education & Development (IED) Programme, GEM provides long-term support to help young beneficiaries navigate the transition from primary to secondary school, fostering their abilities and interests while giving them the confidence to broaden their social circles.
Chow Lian Jie, Anisha’s first mentor at the start of the programme, shared his experience: “Each school has a team of four mentors, and we would discuss how to cater activities to each student’s needs since every child is different.” He added that mentors could observe clear improvements in the students’ confidence as they were more expressive and willing to try new activities with the mentors’ assurance after a few months.
In September 2023, Sabrina took over from Lian Jie as a mentor to Anisha and three other primary school students, guiding them through the uncertainties of entering secondary school. Through sincere communication, Sabrina built genuine friendships with her mentees, uncovering their interests and needs and securing opportunities for them to expand their horizons.
While Sabrina had learnt from Lian Jie that Anisha used to be reserved and shied away from new things, she can vouch that the girl she knows these days is much different.
“Anisha has blossomed into a more outgoing person who initiates conversations and embraces new experiences. For instance, she was initially hesitant about this interview but quickly decided to give it a shot,” says Sabrina, proud of her mentee’s personal growth.
Anisha, on the other hand, credits Sabrina and the GEM Mentoring Programme for her transformation. She expresses gratitude for finding a supportive and warm big sister figure she can confide in. She is particularly grateful that Sabrina signed her up for the SYFC free flying training course, opening the door to an opportunity she never imagined.
Despite her growing confidence, Anisha is not immune to fear. She sometimes worries about being late for her flying classes or being the only girl in her batch. However, the sensible teenager pushes through, embracing the uncertainties that come with the precious opportunity to reach for the sky.
As Nelson Mandela said, “I learnt that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” With Sabrina and the GEM Mentoring Programme’s support, we hope Anisha’s determination continues to soar so she can conquer her fears and let her dreams take flight!
High Hopes, Higher Altitudes
Anisha Chu - GEM Mentoring Programme
From Sceptic to Believer
Goh Family - Casework Management Beneficiary
Thriving with
“Social workers and social support groups? Never!” Mr Goh would insist. “You can ask my wife – I always felt they wouldn’t be much help.”
Mr Goh Choon Khee, a 45-year-old hawker stall assistant, is accustomed to working long hours to provide for his family. Like many others, seeking help from social services initially felt unfamiliar and unnecessary to this hardworking family man.
However, situational changes in 2020 prompted a shift in perspective. At that time, their older daughter, Olivia, had just started Primary 1 at Zhangde Primary, while their younger daughter, Sylvia, was only two. As his wife, Mdm Woo Soo Fan, was facing health concerns, Mr Goh encouraged her to focus on her health and the kids by becoming a stay-at-home mum.
He willingly shouldered the family’s financial burden, leaving for work at 5am and returning around 9pm daily, with only two days off per month. Mr Goh’s dedication stemmed not just from duty but from a desire to provide his family with a more stable life.
Despite their limited educational backgrounds, Mr Goh and Mdm Woo understand the value of education for their daughters’ future. Worries about money and their children’s education frequently weighed on their minds until a friend encouraged them to seek assistance at the CDAC Centre near their Redhill rental flat.
Mdm Woo said that the CDAC staff helped them with online applications, something she could not do as she was unfamiliar with computers. They helped Olivia secure a spot in the Tuition Programme and the Supervised Homework Group. They enrolled Sylvia in the Play-Based Learning Programme in 2023 and registered her for kidsREAD this year.
Mdm Woo’s limited English made dealing with matters about her children’s education challenging. However, the warm and approachable CDAC staff alleviated this difficulty.
“They not only help me with applications but will also remind us when programmes are ending soon so we can reapply on time,” Mdm Woo praises the staff at CDAC@ Redhill.
“I’ve become friends with them, especially the uncle and aunty working at the counter, who are patient and helpful when explaining things to us.”
Mr Goh echoes his wife’s appreciation. “The staff’s support allows me to focus on work without worry,” he shares.
When the Goh family started receiving help from CDAC under the Family Assistance Programme, their assigned caseworker, Connie Tan, eased the couple’s concerns by recommending suitable programmes based on their needs. “Having a professional help find solutions is a relief,” says Mr Goh.
With a lighter heart and newfound trust, Mr Goh’s scepticism has since been replaced by confidence.
“If it’s CDAC,” he now assures his wife, “go ahead and get their help!”
“How can I contribute to society?”
This simple thought drove Eugene Tan to respond to a CDAC volunteer recruitment ad and sparked the start of his volunteerism journey in 2017.
When Eugene first started helping with CDAC’s kidsREAD programme, which aims to cultivate good reading habits in children aged five to eight, he had much to learn.
“Most of the kidsREAD participants are preschoolers who need more attention and tend to express their emotions more openly,” explains Eugene. “Having no prior teaching experience then, I had to learn how to engage the participants by observing and emulating more seasoned volunteers.”
Two years into volunteering, Eugene and a few fellow volunteers started the Joy Read Club in 2019 to extend the reading programme to older children in primary 3 and 4. Like kidsREAD, the Joy Read Club hopes to foster a love for reading, with an added element of helping the mid-primary level participants develop critical thinking skills.
Eugene’s approach to Joy Read Club goes beyond reading books. He takes the participants on exploratory neighbourhood bus rides, sparks curiosity with simple science experiments, and even gets them cooking with easy recipes. These hands-on activities allow participants to bridge the gap between the stories they read and what they observe in the real world.
The 33-year-old also initiates discussions that encourage young minds to think past the “moral of the story.” For example, after reading a story involving a tattooed character, Eugene asked his young participants, “Does having tattoos make someone bad?” These thought-provoking questions challenge the children to see beyond first impressions, inspiring them to develop a broader worldview.
For Eugene, a full-time Chinese teacher at an international school, volunteering is not just a side activity. It’s a way for him to apply his teaching skills in a familiar environment while expressing himself creatively and freely when reading to the young beneficiaries. Eugene’s dedication to helping develop young readers stayed firm even during the COVID-19 pandemic when reading sessions had to be conducted online. For his steadfast contributions to CDAC and our young beneficiaries, Eugene was presented with the Volunteer Commendation Award and 5-year Long Service Award in 2023.
This year, Eugene welcomed his own child, necessitating a temporary pause in his reading sessions. However, when asked if he plans to step down as a volunteer for good, Eugene’s answer is heartwarmingly clear:
“As long as the children continue to benefit, I have no reason to leave.”
Eugene Tan - 2023 Volunteer Commendation Award Recipient
Annual Financial Report Highlights
Expenses Highlights
Corporate Governance 2023
Roles and Composition of Board of Directors and Board of Trustees
1 The founding members of the Chinese Development Assistance Council (“CDAC”) are the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (“SCCCI”) and the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (“SFCCA”). The Patron is the Prime Minister of Singapore.
2 CDAC has formed two separate Boards, the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees, to manage the Operation Fund and the Endowment Fund respectively. The Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees of the CDAC are formed through a tripartite nomination in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the CDAC. The Patron, the SCCCI and the SFCCA each nominate their representatives to serve on the two Boards.
3 The Board of Directors comprises four representatives each from the SCCCI and SFCCA, and nine other persons nominated by the Patron. The Board of Trustees comprises the Chairman of the Board of Directors, seven representatives each from the SCCCI and SFCCA, and nine other persons nominated by the Patron of the Council. There are 17 members on the Board of Directors, including Board Chairman Mr Ong Ye Kung. The Board of Trustees has 24 members, including Board Chairman Mr Ng San Tiong.
4 The roles of the Board of Directors are to:
(a) formulate key objectives, strategies, and directions for the operation of the CDAC; (b) monitor and review the progress of the various programmes and activities of the CDAC; (c) review and approve annual budgets for the various programmes and activities of the CDAC; and
(d) abide by the duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of a Director, as specified in the Companies Act as well as under common law.
5 The Board of Trustees is entrusted with the duty of managing and building up the Endowment Fund. Any usage of the Endowment Fund to finance the Council’s operation requires the approval of the Board of Trustees. The roles of the Board of Trustees are to:
(a) mobilise community support to achieve the objectives of the CDAC; (b) hold in trust any assets for the CDAC at the request of the Board of Directors; and (c) offer observations, comments, and advice regarding the general programmes adopted by the CDAC.
6 Board members comprise individuals with diverse skills, qualifications, and backgrounds. These include accounting, auditing, banking, business, general management, investment, law, and public service. The Board members accept their roles without any remuneration.
Board Term Limit, Meetings and Attendance
7 The Board term is two years. The current term is from 28 June 2022 to the Annual General Meeting in June 2024. During its current Board term, the Board of Directors conducts its selfevaluation to assess its performance and effectiveness. Board members are nominated for appointment and/or re-appointment to the respective Boards at the end of the two-year term through their nominators.
Corporate Governance
Board Term Limit, Meetings and Attendance (continued)
8 The CDAC held two Board of Directors’ (BOD) meetings in 2023.
Directors Current Occupation Attendance at Board meetings during the year Date of Appointment Past Board Appointments at CDAC
Mr Ong Ye Kung1 Minister, Ministry of Health 2/2 23 June 2017 (Chairman, Board of Directors)
Mr Ang Kiam Meng Group Chief Executive Officer and Executiver Director, JUMBO Group Limited 0/2 20 June 2016
Mr Baey Yam Keng1 Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Sustainability and Environment & Ministry of Transport 1/2 23 June 2006
Mr Chee Hong Tat Minister, Ministry of Transport; Second Minister, Ministry of Finance 1/2 21 June 2018
Mr Chia Kim Huat Regional Head, Corporate & Transactional Practice Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP 2/2 28 June 2022
Mr Hong Poh Hin1 Treasurer, Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations 2/2 25 June 2012
Dr Koh Poh Koon Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Manpower & Ministry of Sustainability and Environment
Mr Chris Leong Sin Kuen Executive Director, Leung Kai Fook Medical Co. Pte Ltd
Ms Lim Sau Hoong1 Advertising Creative Director 2/2 25 June 2010
Ms Caryn Lim Tze Ching Chief Executive Officer, Employment & Employability Institute Pte Ltd 1/2 28 June 2022
(a) Member, Board of Directors (25 June 2010 to 25 October 2016) (b) Deputy Chairman, Board of Directors (25 October 2016 to 23 June 2017)
Directors Current Occupation Attendance at Board meetings during the year
Ms Low Yen Ling1 Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry
Chairperson of Mayors' Committee & Mayor, South West District
Mr Patrick Ng Bee Soon Deputy Chairman, Pan-United Corporation Ltd
Mr Ng Poh Wah Director, Fong Yi Marine Supplies Pte Ltd
Ms Sun Xueling Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development
Mr Woo Chee Chay Director, Song Furniture Construction & Trading Pte Ltd
Mr Alex Yam Ziming1 Mayor, North West District Executive Director, People’s Action Party, PAP HQ
Note:
1 Board Director who has served for more than 10 consecutive years.
9 The CDAC held two Board of Trustees’ (BOT) meetings in 2023.
Trustees Current Occupation Attendance at Board meetings during the year Date of Appointment Past Board Appointments at CDAC
Mr Ng San Tiong2 Managing Director and Group CEO, Tat Hong Holdings Ltd 2/2 28 June 2022 (Chairman, Board of Trustees) Member, Board of Trustees (25 June 2012 to 28 June 2022)
Mr Ong Ye Kung Minister, Ministry of Health
23 June 2017 (Chairman, Board of Directors)
(a) Member, Board of Directors (25 June 2010 to 25 October 2016) (b) Deputy Chairman, Board of Directors (25 October 2016 to 23 June 2017)
Corporate Governance
Trustees Current Occupation Attendance at Board meetings during the year
Mr Yeo Eng Koon Director, Tong Fong Co. (1974) Pte Ltd
Note:
2 Board Trustee who has served for more than 10 consecutive years.
10 In total, six Board Directors and seven Board Trustees have served in their present capacities for more than 10 consecutive years. They were nominated by their respective nominating bodies in consideration of their abilities to contribute to the CDAC Boards, as well as their leadership positions in the community. As the CDAC values continuity and stability, these Board members continue to serve in their present capacities. They have maintained independence in their oversight roles and have continued to add value to the CDAC. A term limit of four consecutive years is currently set for the Chairmanship of the Finance & Establishment Committee.
11 New incoming Board members attend an orientation briefing session and are given an information kit on the CDAC to familiarise themselves with CDAC’s work and governance practices.
Organisation structure
Organisation structure
12 The Executive Committee (EXCO) was set up to achieve better synergy among the CDAC Programmes. The EXCO also implements the Board’s fiduciary, strategic and policy decisions. Five other Board Committees were also set up to improve the CDAC’s oversight of management and accountability to its stakeholders. They are the Audit & Risk Committee, Finance & Establishment Committee, Investment Committee, Stakeholders Communications Committee and Tender Committee. All committees have clear terms of reference approved by the Board. The Committee members, who include both Board members and external domain experts, are appointed by the Board Chairman. The Tender Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors.
Executive Committee (EXCO)
1 Alternate Chairman of Tender Committee. Corporate Governance
The EXCO advises the CDAC Secretariat on the strategies for the various programmes, including outreach and stakeholders’ engagement. It monitors the implementation of the Board’s decisions on strategic matters, policies, business plans, and annual budgets, and acts on behalf of the Board on any matters delegated by the Board from time to time. Three EXCO meetings were held in 2023. The composition of the EXCO is as follows:
Chairman – Mr Ong Ye Kung
Members – Mr Baey Yam Keng, Mr Chee Hong Tat, Dr Koh Poh Koon, Ms Lim Sau Hoong, Ms Low Yen Ling, Ms Sun Xueling, and Mr Alex Yam Ziming
Audit & Risk Committee (ARC)
The ARC serves as an independent and objective party to assist the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees in fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities relating to corporate accounting and reporting practices, risk management and internal controls. Two ARC meetings were held in 2023. The composition of the ARC is as follows:
Chairman – Mr Patrick Ng Bee Soon
Members – Mr Chia Kim Huat, Mr Chua Pin and Mr Yeo Ek Khuan
Finance & Establishment (F&E) Committee
The F&E Committee provides oversight for the CDAC’s financial records and cost management. The Committee monitors the expenditure against the approved budgets for the CDAC’s various programmes. The Committee also oversees human resource management and ensures an adequate, effective, and competency-based wage reward and remuneration system. Three F&E Committee meetings were held in 2023. The composition of the Committee is as follows:
Chairman – Mr Ng Siew Quan
Members – Mr Chris Leong Sin Kuen, Ms Caryn Lim Tze Ching, Mr Seow Choke Meng, and Mr Tan Cheng Gay.
Stakeholders Communications (SC) Committee
The SC Committee reviews and recommends communication strategies to enhance stakeholders’ awareness of and support for CDAC’s cause and programmes. It also advises the CDAC on the implementation of strategies to enhance communication with stakeholders. The SC held one meeting in 2023. The composition of the Committee is as follows:
Chairman – Ms Lim Sau Hoong
Members – Ms Goh Sin Hwee, Mr Lee Ee Wurn, Mr Ng Kim Hwee, Mr Peter Ong, Mr Pok Cheng Chong, Mr Woo Keng Choong and Mr Danny Yeo Chin Wei
Tender Committee
The Tender Committee reviews and approves the award of a tender and/or quotation that exceeds $300,000. This helps to ensure a more robust and rigorous procedure for major procurement, which includes renovation works, IT development projects, and the procurement of enrichment programmes for a contractual period. The composition of the Committee is as follows:
The IC assists the CDAC BOT in fulfilling its responsibilities by recommending and reviewing the Investment Policy Statement (IPS) for the CDAC reserves for BOT approval. The IC also assists the BOT in directing and monitoring the management of the CDAC reserves according to the IPS. The IC approves the appointment, modification or termination of professional services by individuals or firms as required. It also monitors and evaluates investment performance, investment service providers and costs. The IC assists the BOT in any other manner as the BOT may direct. There were four IC meetings held in 2023. The composition of the Committee is as follows:
Chairman – Mr Tony Chew Leong-Chee
Members – Ms Lynn Koh Beow Ko, Mr Sherman Kwek Eik Tse, Mr Lee Sze Leong and Ms Lim Li Ying.
Roles and functions of CDAC management team and staff
The roles and responsibilities of the Boards and the management team are kept separate to maintain effective oversight. The day-to-day management of the CDAC is delegated by the Boards to the management team. The management team is headed by Executive Director Mr Tan Yap Kin (appointed on 29 June 2022). Mr Tan joined the CDAC as the Deputy Executive Director on 20 January 2022.
The roles of the CDAC management team and staff include:
(a) carrying out the day-to-day operation of various programmes and activities, and providing Secretariat support to the Board and Board Committees; and
(b) monitoring the progress of various programmes and activities, and providing the Boards and the Board Committees with timely progress reports
Key Corporate Governance Practices
13 Board members and employees are required to, in their respective capacities, act in the best interest of the CDAC at all times. Policies and procedures are designed to prevent and address potential conflict-of-interest situations while promoting the ethical conduct of Board members and employees. The CDAC Boards have approved a Code of Conduct for its Board members, staff, and volunteers. The CDAC has also put in place its Conflict of Interest, WhistleBlowing, Know Your Donors, and Communications policies.
Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct requires Board members, staff, and volunteers to protect all confidential information entrusted to him/her, except when the Board authorises disclosure. Board members are also to adhere to a high ethical standard in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. Board members are expected to exercise the duties and responsibilities of their positions, attend meetings, and participate in the discussion of issues, policies, and other Board matters.
Conflict of Interest
All Board members and staff make declaration of actual or potential conflicts of interest on related party and/or interested party transactions which could conflict with their duties. The CDAC requires its Board members, Board Committee members and staff to make a yearly declaration, or a declaration at the earliest opportunity when there is a conflict of interest situation.
Whistle-Blowing
CDAC has established a whistle-blowing policy to enable staff or any other persons to, in confidence, raise concerns about possible wrongdoing or improprieties in financial or other matters.
Know Your Donors
The CDAC has put in place a policy that requires the CDAC to perform due diligence checks on donation or sponsorship sources (from individuals and corporations) as measures for anti- money laundering and for countering financing of terrorism. The CDAC will guard against the misuse of its name and/or reputation by external parties for terrorist or money-laundering purposes.
Public Image
The CDAC has a documented communications policy on the release of information about the CDAC and its activities, so as to ensure that information about the CDAC is being released in a clear, timely, consistent, and accurate way across all media platforms.
14 The CDAC has adopted the recommended best practices in key areas of governance that are closely aligned to the principles enunciated in the Code of Governance for Charities and Institutions of a Public Character. The CDAC’s Governance Evaluation Checklist can be found at the Charity Portal website www.charities.gov.sg.
CDAC Centres
CDAC@ Ang Mo Kio
Blk 201 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 #01-1648 S560201
CDAC@ Bedok
Blk 138 Bedok North St 2 #01-185 S460138
CDAC@ Bukit Panjang
Blk 270 Bangkit Road #01-22 S670270
CDAC@ Jurong
Blk 421 Jurong West St 42 #01-1045 S640421
CDAC@ Punggol
Blk 512 Hougang Ave 10 #01-67 S530512
CDAC@ Redhill
Blk 83 Redhill Lane #01-85 S150083
CDAC@ Sengkang
Blk 321B Anchorvale Drive #01-196 S542321
CDAC@ Tampines
Blk 158 Tampines St 12 #01-77 S521158
CDAC@ Tanjong Katong
65 Tanjong Katong Road, S436957
CDAC@ Toa Payoh
381 Lor 1 Toa Payoh L2 OnePeople.sg Building S319758
